Social Work

Overview

Social work is a demanding but highly rewarding profession, which is often in the public spotlight. As a qualified social worker you will be able to work with both children and adults, helping them to be safe so that they can cope and take control of their lives again. You will work with them to assess their needs, find out what will help them, support them in building their self-confidence and link them to other services.

This requires an ability to appraise complex and difficult situations, drawing on social science research, social work theories and methods of intervention. You will need a thorough understanding of social policies and a firm grasp of the legal powers and duties that underpin your practice.

The Social Work  programme offered by the University of Bristol  combines university-based learning with two extended periods of supervised practice as a student social worker in a social work agency. By completing this degree, you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (or the newly proposed social work regulatory body) and practise as a qualified professional social worker in a range of settings, including statutory, voluntary, private and independent sectors.

You will develop an understanding of the structural and personal factors that lead to disadvantage, oppression and discrimination, and learn how to apply this understanding to your practice. You will develop values and skills as a reflective practitioner, appraising relevant evidence - including research - to evaluate your own and other people's work and to contribute to the development of policy and practice.

Careers

Successful completion of this master's degree will mean you are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (or the newly proposed social work regulatory body) and practise as a qualified professional social worker.